The Original Pledge of Allegiance was secular
Just a note to all who may have read the Pledge of Allegiance article in the 17 October edition of the Statesman:
The original Pledge appeared in a Boston magazine (The Youth’s Companion) in 1892, with the wording “I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands–one nation indivisible–with liberty and justice for all.” In 1923 the wording was clarified to say “the flag of the United States of America.” Because of the urging of religious groups, “under god” was added to the Pledge in 1954 during Joseph McCarthy’s famous Communism witch-hunt. The idea was to differentiate us from the “godless commies.” “In God We Trust” was added to all currency in 1955, and the national motto “E Pluribus Unum” (out of many, one) was changed to “In God We Trust” in 1956.
Also, separation of church and state is not a bad thing! Schooling (and the government in general) should have absolutely nothing to do with religion or the lack thereof. Nothing of the sort is necessary for either to function. If parents want their children to have a religious upbringing, they should take them to church, or teach them on their own.
Finally, this country was not founded in Christianity, or any other religion. Many quotes support this, including:
“The way to see by faith is to shut the eye of reason.”–Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard, 1758
“Question with boldness even the existence of God; because if there be one, He must approve the homage of Reason rather than that of blindfolded Fear.”–Thomas Jefferson in a letter to Peter Carr, Aug. 10, 1787
“And I have no doubt that every new example will succeed, as every past one has done, in showing that religion and Government will both exist in greater purity, the less they are mixed together.”–James Madison in a letter to Edward Livingston in 1822
“The United States of America should have a foundation free from the influence of clergy.”–George Washington
There are many more quotes openly disdainful of Christianity and religion in general, but I will not include them here. They may be found easily enough.